... on Thursday, November 10, 2011

Grange on the Move!  On Wednesday and Thursday of this week, the Grange was moved forward to a new foundation adjacent to the sidewalk on Main Street.  This section of Main Street now has a whole new streetcape.  

The Department of Public Works has caluclated that the Town incurred $66,724 in costs associated with the Halloween Nor'easter which includes preliminary numbers for the police, public works, and fire departments.  We'll be submitting for FEMA 75% reimbursement.   

VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAY

All Town offices will be closed in observance of Veteran's Day on Friday, November 11, 2011. There will be NO CHANGE TO THE REFUSE AND RECYCLING SCHEDULE. All items should be out on their regular day by 7:00 AM.

CONGRESS CONSIDERS PROPOSALS THAT WOULD BE DETRIMENTAL TO AMTRAK DOWNEASTER RAIL SERVICE IN DURHAM, DOVER, AND EXETER

There are currently proposals before the U.S. Congress that would substantially reduce funding for Amtrak generally and eliminate all funding for state-supported Amtrak service, including the Downeaster.

Since the return of passenger rail service to Durham in 2001, the Amtrak Downeaster has provided an important service to Durham by allowing its citizens to use the train as an alternative means of transportation in place of the private automobile, as well as bringing visitors to the community and thereby enhancing our efforts toward economic development and sustainability.

Since 2001, a total of 406,328 riders have used the train from Durham/UNH.  Dover station ridership to date equals 394,642.  Exeter station ridership totals 652,949.  Approximately 55,000 riders per year are now utilizing the Durham/UNH station.

On November 7, 2011, the Durham Town Council unanimously passed a resolution seeking support from the State of New Hampshire Congressional Delegation and New Hampshire Governor John Lynch in preserving Durham as a stop on the Downeaster route. To view the resolution, click HERE.

CURBSIDE TRASH & RECYCLING REGULATION REMINDER
Please note that except on the day of or the night before scheduled curbside collection, recyclable and non-recyclable waste containers should be  stored on private property in such a manner as to be screened from any public way.  Concerns should be reported to the Code Enforcement Office at (603) 868-8064.
 

UPDATE ON ALPHA TAU OMEGA (ATO) FRATERNITY FOLLOWING DRUG RAID AND SEXUAL ASSAULT INCIDENT THIS PAST WEEKEND ON MAIN STREET
This past weekend the Durham Police Department investigated a series of issues at the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity house located at 66 Main Street.  Foster's Daily Democrat covered the story in an article at http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111107/GJNEWS_01/711079939/-1/FOSNEWS0102&template=GreatBayRegion.

The Town was notified late this week by the Gamma Theta Corporation (the ATO alumni organization that holds the property) of the following:

• All tenants have been evicted and the house is empty;
• There is a security officer on site 24/7;
• Residents will be removing their possessions, with Friday, October 11th being a significant move-out day;
• The building will have the first floor and any easy access windows boarded up;
• Doors will either be boarded up or re-secured with padlocks;
• The leases for the parking spaces in the ATO lot have been terminated and all vehicles will be removed.

DURHAM’S TOWN TAX RATE TO INCREASE BY 4 CENTS
There was an article in this week’s Foster’s Daily Democrat regarding the proposed FY 2012 budget.  It can be accessed at

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111102/GJNEWS_01/711029957/-1/FOSNEWS.

Copies of the proposed Durham FY 2012 Budget and 2012-2021 CIP Plans are

available for public viewing at the Durham Town Office and at the Durham

Public Library.

ADMINISTRATOR'S PROPOSED FY 2012 BUDGET FOR DURHAM

This year’s budget cycle has resulted in a proposed 2012 General Fund budget totaling $11,257,284.00, an increase of $258,612 or (2.35%) compared to FY 2011.  Of the $258,612 increase, a total of $150,950 represents an appropriation from the Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) account to specifically support smart growth central core redevelopment should a major redevelopment project require public partnership in order to come to fruition in areas such as transitioning one-way to two-way traffic, off site underground utility infrastructure improvements, or economic development consultative, engineering, or staffing services. This leaves a total increase of $107,622 coming from General Fund tax dollars representing a .97% change over FY 2011 budgeted levels.

For comparative purposes, the twelve-month September 2010 to September 2011 Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) numbers are:  U.S. City Index – 3.9%, Northeast Urban Index – 4.0%, and Boston-Brocton-Nashua – 3.7%. 

To view the full 7 page transmittal letter providing an overview of the FY 2012 Administrator's proposed budget, click HERE. 

To view the entire budget, located on the Town web site, click HERE. 

A public Hearing is scheduled for November 14th to obtain feedback from the community. 

WINTER PARKING BAN

The Winter Parking Ban commences November 1st through April 1st   on all roadways throughout Durham.  Any vehicle parked on any street between the hours of 1AM and 6AM are subject to being ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. If your vehicle is towed due to the need for snow removal, the vehicle owner/s is required to pay all towing costs AND the fine for the ticket issued before vehicle is released.  Residents and visitors are reminded that parking in any Town owned parking lot and throughout the downtown Main Street area between 1:00 A.M. and 6:00 A.M. is prohibited year-round.

PLANNING BOARD HAPPENINGS...

The Planning Board met on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 and discussed the following:

• Appointed Andrew Corrow as the Planning Board’s representative on the Economic Development Committee; postponed a public hearing on the proposed Zoning Map change in the Professional Office District.
• Rre-opened and continued a public hearing until December 14th on a site plan application for a doggie daycare building at Great Bay Kennel.
• Continued a discussion on a boundary line adjustment between Geoff Sawyer (Kennel property) and Great Bay Animal Hospital.
• Set a public hearing for December 14th on a citizen petition to amend the Table of Uses to make Eldercare Facilities a non-permitted use in the Residence A District. 

In addition, the Planning Board discussed the request for rezoning of the Beech Hill area from Rural to Office Research Light Industry and decided not to initiate amending the zoning map.  The rezoning of this area could still be moved forward by being initiated by the Town Council or by citizen petition.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Economic Development Committee will meet on Wednesday, November 16, 2011.  While the agenda has not been finalized, a good portion of the meeting will be spent discussing the updates to the Economic Development Chapter and the Commercial Core Chapter of the Master Plan.  The Committee looks forward to a great discussion.

ENERGY COMMITTEE

The Energy Committee met on Tuesday, November 8, 2011.  The main focus of the meeting was a discussion on the new Energy Chapter that will be part of the Master Plan update.  The draft chapter will be available on the Town’s website very soon. To view the general schedule for the Master Plan update, click HERE.

MASTER PLAN UPDATE SCHEDULE AVAILALBE ON LINE

Residents who have an interest in learning more about the planned schedule for updating the 2000 Master Plan can view it on line.  To view the general schedule for the Master Plan update, click HERE.  The schedule is a dynamic one in that it necessarily must be regularly updated due to the actual work flow of committees and staff.  A link should be up on the Town's home page this evening offering residents a way to become more familiar with the Master Plan update process.

Jackson's Landing Playground located on Old Piscataqua Road - Courtesy DPW

JACKSON'S LANDING PLAYGROUND RENOVATIONS

The  Department of Public Works recently completed renovations to the Jackson’s Landing playground entranceway.  The renovations were generously funded with monies from the Jackson’s Landing Playground Committee. 

MORGAN WAY ROUTE 4 INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS

This week DPW finished up the safety enhancement project at the intersection of Morgan Way and Route 4 with the application of final paving, pavement markings and signage.  Punch list items left include hydro-seeding within the disturbed soils alongside the area this fall as well as in spring 2012, and the installation of an additional street light in the general vicinity which has been initiated through a work order with PSNH. 

Members of UNH's Circle K Club assist with the clean up of the Smith Chapel area. Courtesy DPW

CLEAN UP AT SMITH CHAPEL AND ROUNDABOUT

Two groups from UNH’s Circle K Club completed a clean up of the Smith Chapel and the Main Street roundabout, raking and weeding. The UNH Circle K is a community service, leadership development, and friendship organization at the University of New Hampshire. We thank them for their generous offering of time.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS FOR DEBRIS CLEANUP

Due to the Halloween nor’easter, Public Works has decided to offer additional accommodations for residents who are cleaning up fallen limbs and yard debris from the storm. 

The Packers Falls gravel pit will be open to Town residents this Saturday and next, November 5th & 12th, as well as during the week of 11/7- 11/11, between 7:30 and 3pm.  Participants must show proof of residency when coming into the pit. 

If a landscaper is hauling debris on your behalf, make sure they have information for you including your phone number.  Brush and limbs must be no greater than 5 feet in length and 5 inches in diameter.  No stumps will be accepted. 

We encourage the use of the Packers Falls pit during this time since we will have much more room for debris however, residents may also bring debris up to the Transfer Station with their regular permit on Tuesday or Saturday from 7:30-3:00.   With Fall Cleanup occurring next week as well, folks may also stack debris on their curbside to be picked up as long as it can be out on time.     

Durham Book Exchange won first place in the "business" category during last year's lighting contest held by the Durham Business Association. Other first place winners were Kappa Delta, "Sorority" category, and TKO, "Fraternity" category. Courtesy Katie Muth, DBA.

DURHAM BUSINESS ASSOCIATION - 16TH ANNUAL LIGHT UP DURHAM LIGHTING CONTEST
The Durham Business Association presents the 16th Annual Light Up Durham Lighting Contest. The DBA is encouraging all businesses to light their business fronts and share in spreading the joy of the season.
  
This event is intended to benefit the entire Durham community, which includes Durham residents and businesses, as well as UNH faculty, staff, and students. This is an opportunity for everyone to get involved and to encourage local support for Durham businesses.
 
Judging will take place Thursday, December 1, 2011 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

The Contest is open to all Durham Businesses and recognized Greek fraternities and sororities.
 

Guidelines for judging include:

• The effectiveness of lights creating the display.
• The placement and uniformity of the lights.
• The use of design and color to create the decorations.
• The use of special lighted displays.
• The ingenuity, originality, and creativity exercised in the decorations.
• Holiday Lights are available for sale at Town & Campus and Rite Aid. Support Durham’s local businesses.

 For more information please contact the Durham Business Association at durhambusinessassociation@gmail.com.  

DURHAM BOOK EXCHANGE - THIS WEEK'S FEATURED DOWNTOWN BUSINESS

We would like to begin featuring a downtown Durham business each week in the "Friday Updates". Businesses interested in participating should send their information, including location, contact information, web site, hours of operation, and a brief description of the business to jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. Photographs of the business would also be welcomed.

This week's featured business is the DURHAM BOOK EXCHANGE. The Durham Book Exchange is located at 36 Main Street and is managed by Lorraine Mechem. You may contact the DBE at 603-868-1297, via email at orders@durhambook.com, or visit their website at www.durhambook.com. Hours of Operation are  Mon-Fri, 9-5, closed weekends. Extended hours at the beginning and end of semesters.
 
Durham Book Exchange is a New Hampshire based, privately-owned, independent bookstore serving the University community for 30 years, offering an alternative source for textbooks. They carry a large selection of used textbooks, as well as new books at the lowest prices possible. DBE proudly contributes a portion of its profits to many local and national charities, as well as student-based organizations. They buy back current edition textbooks all year round and are happy to do special orders for books of any kind. Textbooks for UNH classes can be pre-ordered prior to each semester and books will be held for student pick-up to avoid the long lines.  DBE also carries a wide range of school supplies, UNH clothing, and the ever-popular DOLLAR books.  Stop in and see for yourself!

NEW BUSINESS ON JENKINS COURT
The Simply Lisa Salon has been opened on Jenkins Court in the new building where Houghton's Hardware used to be located.  The owner is Lisa Young.   Ms. Young is open Tuesday through Saturdays.  Appointments available at (603) 590-HAIR.
 

Durham's Churchill ice skating rink - Courtesy DPW

CHURCHILL RINK IS OPEN!

The Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing is open and ready for skaters!  Season passes available at rink.  2011-2012 Schedule listed below: 

Public Skating:
     M,W,F-  2:00pm- 3:20pm   T, TH- 9:00am- 10:20am & 2:00pm- 4:20pm
     SAT- 2:00pm- 3:50pm  SUN- 2:00pm- 3:50pm
Adults $5.00, Ages 6-16 $3.00

NHDES AND GREAT BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE PRESENTATION ON CHANGES TO COMPREHENSIVE SHORELAND PROTECTION ACT

A presentation regarding the changes to the Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act will be held Friday, Nov 18, 2011 from 9:30-11:00 AM OR Tuesday, Dec 6, 2011 from 6:00-7:30 PM. Both presentation options will take place at the Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center, Depot Road, Greenland, NH. This presentation will provide an overview of these changes and will also include information on the permitting process and the minimum standards relative to impervious surface limitations and maintaining levels of vegetation along the shore. For more information, click HERE.

RIGHT TO KNOW LAW POWERPOINT PRESENTATION AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING

On October 31, 2011, a Right to Know Law presentation was given by Local Government Center attorney Christine Fillmore. To view the PowerPoint presentation provided by attorney Fillmore for this session, click HERE.

TOWN OFFICES CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY
All Town Offices will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday, November 24 and 25, 2011. All offices will reopen for business on Monday, November 28th at 8:00 AM.

Refuse and Recycling Schedule During Thanksgiving:

Residents who normally have their refuse and recycling picked up on a Thursday will be defaulted to Friday of Thanksgiving week. Please have all items out by 7AM as always. There will be no collection of the commercial recycling route on Friday, November 25th.

PUBLIC MEETINGS: SCHEDULE AND VIDEO ON DEMAND

The following public meetings are scheduled for the coming week  All meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held in the Council chambers at the Durham Town Hall unless otherwise indicated below. To view the agenda for the meetings listed below, please click HERE.

All meetings recorded on DCAT are available on DVD at the Durham Public Library for checkout and viewing.

VIDEO ON DEMAND: Meetings can also be viewed via Video on Demand. Interested viewers can access the streaming site from the Town’s website at http://www.ci.durham.nh.us/ by clicking the DCAT on demand logo, or directly at http://dcat.pegcentral.com/.

Town Council - Monday, November 14, 2011. (Public Hearing on Administrator's proposed budget and Council budget work session). To view the complete Council packet for this meeting, click HERE.

Durham Agricultural Commission - Tuesday, November 15, 2011 (Durham PD Community Room, 7:00 PM)

Economic Development Committee - Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Oyster River School Board meeting schedule, please click HERE. 

Durham Public Library Board of Trustees meeting schedule, please click HERE.

DCAT Programming Schedule, please click HERE.

OYSTER RIVER SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH UNDERWAY – ALL STAKEHOLDERS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE
The Oyster River Cooperative School Board has engaged the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) to assist it the search process for a new Superintendent of Schools.
 
An integral part of the process involves parent, student, staff, and community participation in focus groups. The groups are designed to obtain participant input about the attributes, experience, and knowledge that the new superintendent should possess. The groups also provide an opportunity for participants to identify immediate tasks that the new superintendent should address.
 
The following focus group session will be held at the Oyster River High School Multipurpose Room:

• Thursday, November 10th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM:  Parents (including both current and future students).

NESDEC will conduct the focus group session.  There is no limit to the number of participants and no need to register for the session of your choice. Childcare will be available for the Nov. 10th, 6:30 PM parents’ session.

 
The School Board and NESDEC hope that all stakeholders will be able to participate.
 

DURHAM PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

NEW PROGRAMS:

FREE Parents & Preschoolers Exercise Class for Infants to 5 year olds along with a parent. Class begins soon and will be held on Thursdays 9am – 10am at the Durham Parks & Recreation Building.

Coyote Club Instilling a sense of wonder, responsibility, and stewardship for the natural world through exploration. This Environmental program is for children in grades 1st through 5th Activities are held at Wagon Hill Farm. Begins Mon. Nov. 28th, 3:45-4:45pm. Cost is $60 for 6 weeks. To register contact Sandy Devins at recreation@ci.durham.nh.us.

Kid’s Yoga has a new session beginning  for ages 9 – 12. Class meets Wed. 4:30 – 5:30pm at the Durham Parks & Recreation Building. Cost is $40 for 8 weeks.

Think Snow! There is a new Snowshoe Group being formed. This group will meet on Wed. mid-morning (time to be announced) for an hour to have fun in the snow.

For more information on any of these events, please contact P&R Director Sandy Devins at 603-817-4074, sdevins@ci.durham.nh.us  Also check out our Facebook account on “Durham Rec”.

DURHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

New Library Campaign

The New Library Campaign goal is to raise $900,000 in additional donations as the private share of the public-private partnership with the Town for a new facility. To date, more than $720,930 of the $900,000 has been raised!  But we still need your help to reach our goal.

We are making all of our campaign information available on our website http://durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/.  Help make the long-awaited new library a reality. Your donation will make a difference!

The Library will be closed Friday, Nov. 11th in honor of Veteran’s Day.  The Library will re-open on Saturday, Nov. 12th at 10:00 a.m.
 

________________________________

The Durham Public Library has a number of exciting upcoming programs and events. To view a list of these programs, click HERE. For more information, visit the library's website at: http://durhampubliclibrary.org/durham/.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Meeting of the Oyster River Taxpayers - Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011, 7:00 PM, Durham Town Hall Council Chambers

The McQuade Organ Concert, Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011, 7:30 PM, Community Church of Durham, featuring organist Isabelle Demers from Montreal, Canada. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Bryn Burns, 603-743-1813, brynb07@comcast.net.

Oyster River High School Drama Department performs “The Importance of Being Earnest”, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (Nov 17, 18, 19), 7:00 PM. Tickets :$5.00/students, $8.00/ adults.

FREE Spaghetti Dinner, Saturday, Nov 19, 2011, 7:00 PM, St. Thomas More Parish, Durham. Event is being held by the UNH Recreation Management and Policy students of RMP557. Contact Brittany George, bey25@unh.edu, for more information.

Mast Way School 4th Annual Holiday Shopping Bazaar, Saturday, Nov 19, 2011, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Mast Way School, Lee. Do you own a small home business, are a demonstrator for a Direct Sales Company, or a crafter looking for a way to sell your wares? Contact Dianne, 603-659-2057, amberpuppy@aol.com, for more information.

Lee Holiday Festival, Saturday, Nov 19, 2011, 7:30 AM, Lee Safety Complex on George Bennett Road. Will include a ride with Santa in a horsedrawn wagon, homemade goodies, unique crafts, and other items. For more information, contact Marian, 603-659-3996 or Barbara, 603-659-6428. See   http://www.leechurch.org/ for more details.

Durham Church's Annual Christmas Fair, Saturday, Dec 3, 2011, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. The tradition of the Christmas Fair at The Community Church of Durham, The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, St. Thomas More and St. George Episcopal Church is a long one. For years, our Fair traditions have taken root and grown.

3rd Annual Caution: Gingerbread House Construction Event, Saturday, Dec 10, 2011, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, UNH MUB at the food court. Come join other families and enter your gingerbread house in the contest to win fun prizes. All money raised goes to On Belay a non-profit providing unique adventure based programs for young people who have or have had a family member with cancer. For more information, click HERE.

Launching the New Gundalow, Saturday, Dec 10, 2011, Portsmouth, NH, Pierce Island. 10:30 AM: Official remarks; 11:00 AM: Naming Ceremony and launching from Pierce Island. For more information visit http://www.gundalow.org/.

ECHO Community Thrift Shop - Durham Community Church, 17 Main Street, Durham. The economical and environmentally friendly way to shop. Hours: Wednesday 10 am-5 pm, Thursday 10 am-7 pm, Friday 10 am-5 pm, Saturday 10 am-2 pm. Offering clothing, accessories, small household items, and vintage. Gladly accepting donations of clean and gently used items during hours of operation. For more information contact: 603-868-1230 or office@durhamcommunitychurch.org. The Thrift Shop entrance is at the back of the Church in the lower parking lot.

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.

Have a good weekend.

Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, New Hampshire

T:  603-868-5571    F:  603-868-5572

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us    http://www.ci.durham.nh.us

Everyone can tackle climate change. How can you reduce your carbon footprint?